Three Wishes (Dreams Come True #3) Read Free Page A

off my phone for time and a half. The station can afford it.”
    “Fine.” Only he didn’t sound fine. He sounded borderline pissed. “Get the footage here as soon as possible. We need to get promos ready for the evening news.”
    “Of course. See you in a few hours, Justin.” Then I ended the call, turned on the water and brushed my teeth while I waited for the shower to heat up. Since I spent my time behind the camera, even if I had to interview people at the same time, I didn’t waste much time on my appearance. I wasn’t famous. Few people paid much attention to me. I valued the anonymity my position provided. After a quick shave, I moved to my walk-in closet to find something to wear. What was mall appropriate on a Sunday morning? I tugged at my chin. Hell, what was I doing anyway?
    With the towel tucked around my hips, I walked to my desk to open the email I’d received. The subject line simply read Caring Bunny. I scanned the details of the assignment. Special needs kids visiting the Easter Bunny. No wonder the other cameraman had decided to be sick. Working with kids and animals was notoriously challenging. Still, all I had to do was point and shoot, maybe talk to some parents. I could manage this no problem.
    By nine twenty-five, I had driven to the station to pick up one of their marked vehicles and parked in the mall at the one entrance near the food court that promised to be open hours before the rest of the building. Hauling the bag out of the trunk, I hefted it onto my shoulder and balanced the tripod on the other side. As I walked in, I glanced around, pleased to see few cars in the lot and fewer people inside. Setting up only took a few minutes, then I looked around and considered who to speak with first.
    Wearing my credentials in a lanyard around my neck, I walked over to the table where the families signed in. “Do you have a moment to speak to me?” I addressed the woman seated on a metal folding chair.
    She glanced at my badge and nodded as a smile spread across her face. “Of course. I’d be glad to.” Rising from her seat, she walked with me over to the camera I’d set up near the Easter Bunny Set.
    “Let’s start with your name and your position.” I gently coached her as I held the microphone her direction.
    “I’m Elise Forgette with the Autism Society.” She smiled and looked at me expectantly.
    “Great. Are you one of the organizers for the event?” I stared at her through the back of the camera, watching to make sure everything was recording properly. In the distance behind her, I noticed a young woman walking in with a little girl, who wore a giant hat on her head and a surgical mask, which effectively covered the bulk of her face. I paid attention, wondering if it would ruin the shot.
    “Yes, we started the event just this year. The Caring Santa Event was so popular, we thought we should try one with the Easter Bunny as well.”
    The woman and child were nearing the table in the distance. I could see the little girl walked slowly and though the mother offered to help her, she refused, even as she stopped from time to time as if she were struggling to catch her breath.
    “What makes the Caring Bunny Event so special, Elise?” Even as I asked, I looked past her, wondering if I should offer to help, doubtful my assistance would even be accepted.
    “Well, this is a way for kids who might otherwise not have an opportunity to see the Easter Bunny. Often children with sensory issues and chronic illnesses miss out on what other kids take for granted. They can’t handle the noise, the lights, the overstimulation, or in some cases the germs from being around everyone.” Elise glanced over to the little girl who had caught my eye then turned back to the camera with a sad smile. “I better get back to work.”
    I nodded. “Thank you for your time.”
    Elise rushed back to the table to check them in. I watched and waited. The bunny had arrived and sat on the garden bench that